Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-09-09
Mr.. GLADSTONE
DECLINES TIE INVITATION TO CONF
TO PHILADELPHIA.
Bis High Opinion Of the American Con-
stitution-The Grea; Work at Home
the Only Cause for His Do
clination.
tBy Anslo-Americnn cable to the DIspatch.I

tBy Anglo-American cable to the Dispatch.l
LONDON, September S.-The letter
containing an invitation to MIR. Glad
stone to attend the centennial celebra-
ton of the adoption of the American
Constitution at Philadelphia was dated
June oath and was signed by Messrs
Kasson, Little, Carson, and Cochrane
for the committee. Mr.. Gladstone was
invited as the guest of the committee,
and he was informed by the gentlemen
who conveyed TO him the invitation
that it was the only one sent to any
person not an American citizen or an
accredited diplomat, the exception in
his case being intended as an express
recognition of the historical ties which
bound Great Britain and America be-
fore the Declaration Of independence.
He was also assured that he would be
allowed to make whatever arrange
ments he pleased and would be enter
tanned in America as no man has been
since the visit of General Lafayette.
MIR. Gladstone on July 10th made re-
ply to the letter, and assured the com
mittee Of the great honor he felt IN
receiving an invitation to the ceiebra-
ton of the centenary of the American
Constitution. His letter continues:
"Yhe attractions of the invitation are
enhanced to me by the circumstance
that have always regarded that Con-
stitution as the most remarkable work
known to modern times to have been
produced by human intellect at single
stroke, so to speak, in it's application to
political affairs. The invitation is &C
companied by every accessory that even
American hospitality could devise.
Had / real option in the case |
could not but accept, but the
limitation of my strength and
time and the incessant pressure of
engagements make me too we'll aware
that have none. So far as can see the
whole small residue of activity at my
command will be dedicated to the great
work at home. | regard the Irish
question as the most urgent and most
iull of promise of beneficial results to
my country that have ever been en-
gagged in. | ought perhaps to add that
viewing the iealousies prevalent in
England, it is doubtful whether they
might not be stimulated were | to ac-
cept tie distinction You offer me, which
is not less signal than undeserved.
The first of these reasons, however,
compels me to decline the most hattering
proposal have ever received. | shall
watch with profound interest the pro-
ceedings of your celebration, when
you will look back upon a century of
national Advancement that is without a
parallel in history, and look forward to
its probable continuance upon still
larger scale. That you and your chill
dren may be enabled by the help of the
Almighty TO worthily meet the accu-
muation Of the high duties and rcspon-
sibilities proportioned to an ever-grow-
ing power will be, | am confident, the
prayer of your kinsmen here, who
Lope-nSy, belieye-thst the moral re-
latlons between the several portions of
Of our race are wisely destined to ac-
quirS increasing harmony and close
ness.
"Your obliged and faithful servant,
W. 4. GLADSTONE. "